The Omani Ministry of Heritage and Tourism today celebrated the laying of the foundation stone for an integrated tourism project in the Januf area of Salalah. The project, with an investment estimated at approximately 80 million Omani riyals, is part of efforts to enhance the tourism infrastructure in Dhofar Governorate, which is rich in natural and heritage assets.
Five-star hotel and marina in the first phase
The first phase of the project, which will take approximately 30 months, includes the construction of a luxury five-star hotel with 124 hotel units, along with an integrated marina with restaurants, cafes, a beach club, and a health club. Additionally, a main gate to the complex will reflect Omani identity with its architectural style.
Public-Private Partnership
The project is being implemented in partnership with Al Wathba Hospitality Company, under a usufruct contract signed in February 2025. It is one of the most prominent tourism projects that combines private investment with government support, reflecting the Sultanate's drive to strengthen public-private partnerships in developing the national economy.
Support for small businesses and job opportunities for citizens
His Excellency Azzan bin Qasim Al Busaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism for Tourism, emphasized the project's importance in creating direct and indirect job opportunities, in addition to supporting small and medium-sized enterprises and enhancing local content through training and qualification programs for national cadres in the fields of tourism and hospitality.
The largest yacht marina in Oman... and an integrated waterfront
For his part, Khalid bin Abdullah Al-Abri, Director General of Heritage and Tourism in Dhofar, explained that the project includes a yacht marina, one of the largest in the Sultanate, as well as an integrated beachfront that will contribute to enriching the tourism experience in Dhofar Governorate and support efforts to promote the autumn and winter seasons.
Continuous tourism growth in Dhofar Governorate
Al-Abri pointed out that the Ministry's promotional efforts contributed to an increase in the number of visitors to Dhofar, with the autumn season recording a 9% growth, while the number of visitors during the winter season increased by 18% compared to 2023, confirming the governorate's attractiveness as a year-round tourist destination.
Visual presentation and introduction to the project during the ceremony
The foundation stone laying ceremony included a visual presentation introducing Dhofar Governorate's tourism potential, and another explaining the project's details. This was followed by the official announcement of the laying of the foundation stone by His Excellency the Undersecretary of the Ministry.
A strategic project that enhances the future of tourism in Oman.
This project represents a strategic step towards revitalizing the tourism sector in the Sultanate of Oman, through the development of integrated facilities that meet the aspirations of local and international visitors, and opens the way for more sustainable tourism investments in one of the most beautiful destinations in the Gulf.
